Gear Up for Fall: A Comprehensive HVAC Checklist to Prepare Your Home for Cooler Days

The change of season can bring mixed feelings. For some, the fresh morning air as you exit the back door can suddenly evoke the feeling of taking out your favorite sweaters, lighting pumpkin spice candles, and curling up under a blanket with your favorite coffee. Conversely, you may also find yourself frantically longing for the last fleeting moments of summer when all you can think about is “Winter is coming.”

No matter how you experience the fall season, you’ll want to make sure your HVAC system continues to operate at peak performance even when temperatures start to drop. With this fall checklist, you can sit comfortably and confidently and watch the leaves change.

Change Air Filters

Your HVAC system has likely been working overtime during Pittsburgh summer heat, which means your air filter is probably full of dirt, grime, and outside debris. Replacing your air filter is an easy way to prevent your HVAC system from working more than necessary and helps keep the air in your home free of harmful pollutants.

A new air filter could also make a significant difference for allergy sufferers who are sensitive to weed pollen, ragweed and sagebrush in the fall.

Duct System Inspected

You probably haven’t thought about your duct system in a while (or maybe never), but this system is the hidden network that keeps your home livable year-round. While you have time before the cold weather really sets in, you should take the time to inspect your system to make sure there are no leaks or insulation that needs to be replaced. If your duct system is not insulated, consider this project to prevent your ducts from losing valuable heat in your home.

Heating System Inspected

Unless you’ve tried turning your living room into a sauna, you probably haven’t used your HVAC heating system in months. Scheduling an inspection can make a significant difference in the heating performance of your HVAC system when temperatures begin to drop. During your inspection, the technician will troubleshoot the heating system and clean and lubricate components as needed.

Open All Vents

This may seem like an obvious step, but it’s easily overlooked. If you have the vents closed in the summer, opening the vents will ensure proper heat distribution throughout the home. Your HVAC system will not function properly or efficiently if your vents are not open.

Inspect Home Air Leaks

Heating your home properly during the fall and winter months isn’t cheap. Your HVAC system has to work even harder when air leaks occur around your home, draining your home of valuable heat and costing you more money.

To inspect your home, walk around outside with a burning incense stick. If smoke gets to the windows, there is an air leak. Use caulk to seal these costly air leaks.

Test your Thermostat

Test your thermostat now before the weather gets significantly colder in the winter. This ensures that the desired temperature on the thermostat matches how you feel in your home. If not, it may be time to purchase a new thermostat or have your HVAC system repaired.

Keep Air conditioning and Heating systems Free of Dirt

It doesn’t matter whether you live in a gated suburb or a mountain cabin, there are dirt particles on and in your outdoor air conditioner. These foreign particles affect the heating and cooling performance of your HVAC system. Remove easily accessible debris from your outdoor unit and be careful not to let plants grow too close together.

Clean your Air Registers

Have you recently checked your air registers? Over time they become covered with dirt and dust. Clean them regularly to prevent pollutants and allergens from circulating in your home.

Give your Humidifier a break

Humidity can vary significantly throughout the year in Pittsburgh. To keep your essential humidifier running smoothly during the cold winter months, turn off the water supply to your furnace humidifier to give it a short break. If temperatures continue to drop, replace the water plate (or humidifier pad), adjust the relative humidity to 35 to 45 percent, and turn on the water supply to the oven humidifier.

Use fans to give your System a break

Another way to give your HVAC system a brief vacation is to use fans instead of adjusting your thermostat. Fall season in Pittsburgh, PA is pleasant, so take advantage by opening windows around your home and use fans to keep your indoor temperature comfortable. Opening windows will also help with circulating new air in your home after a long, hot summer.

Taking advantage of mild weather by giving your system a break will also lengthen the life of your HVAC equipment and save you money on your energy bills.

Have Chimneys cleaned

Chimneys are a great addition to any home, and a fireplace can turn a chilly evening into a cozy, warm night. However, a chimney that’s not properly serviced and cleaned can be a huge energy loss and cost you in valuable heat, thus wasting money. Also, the National Fire Protection Association estimates more residential fires per year can be traced back to chimneys and fireplaces. Take time to call a professional to have your chimney serviced every fall.

Adjust your Thermostat

Sometimes, taking the most obvious step can make the biggest difference. With kids back in school and cooler temperatures on the way, set your thermostat higher during the day to conserve energy as the transition from summer to fall begins.

HVAC Company in Pittsburgh, PA

At Tudi Mechanical Systems, we offer an annual service plan that is unrivaled in Pittsburgh. Whether your heating and cooling system needs routine maintenance or you’re ready for a new HVAC installation, Tudi Mechanical Systems has everything you need as the fall season in cooler weather.

We’re proud to provide Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas of Pennsylvania with exemplary heating and cooling services and have worked hard to build a reputation of outstanding customer service and satisfaction. Our HVAC company offers HVAC maintenance, installation, and repairs for a variety of HVAC systems. Learn more about our HVAC services by calling us today at 412-753-7546.